Once a calm beach town to a more upscale party destination to pretty much everywhere in between, Tulum is undoubtedly one of the top cities to visit in the Riviera Maya. Some tourists just can’t get enough of it and Tulum has become one of the top wellness destinations in Mexico.
Whatever your travel style, Tulum has some top food and drink, world-class attractions, and some pristine beaches to explore. If you’re vacationing in Quintana Roo and thinking of making a trip to Tulum for a couple of days, there’s lots of unforgettable things to do in and around town for any type of traveler.
From the best beaches and restaurants to the top historic attractions in the Mexican Caribbean, here’s what to do if you have 48 hours in Tulum.
Eat Your Heart Out
Tulum isn’t just a place where you can get your street taco fix for breakfast, lunch, and dinner (although you can do that if you’re in the mood). Head to the busy main hotel zone in Tulum and you’ll find lots of amazing restaurants with everything from local flavors to international eats in modest to swanky settings, where you can indulge with the sand in between your toes and the sea breeze at your back.
For your two-day adventure in Tulum, enjoy a beachfront pizza at Posada Margherita and then wind down after sunset at Hartwood, which serves up some of the best-barbequed meats and seafood in Tulum.
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Party At The Best Tulum Bars
Once the daily morning yoga session is done, Tulum starts the party. If you want to enjoy some beachside cocktails with some live entertainment or want to wait until sunset for a romantic cocktail, Tulum has the bar for you. Come dressed in your best comfortable-chic beach wear and enjoy those seaside cocktail vibes that a place like Tulum can only provide.
For something different, you can check out Batey, a Cuban-themed bar in Centro Tulum. And to experience quintessential Tulum, head to Gitano by Esmeralda K Beach.
Want to know what’s going on in other cities nearby? Here’s what to do if you’ve got 48 hours in Playa del Carmen, Mexico.
Visit The Tulum Ruins
On one of your two days in Tulum, you have to get touristy and see the sights. If you only have the energy to cross one Tulum attraction off of your list, it has to be the Tulum Archeological Zone. Leave early in the morning, and it’s a perfect half-day trip where you’ll get to see one of the oldest Mayan ruins in the region.
Just a short drive from downtown Tulum, you can drive to the site yourself or book a tour with your hotel or guesthouse. Pack sunscreen and wear light clothing, as it will be hot!
Find Your Perfect Tulum Beach
After visiting the ruins, spend the afternoon at one of Tulum’s best beaches. You can lounge the rest of the day away at Playa Paraiso, the town’s most popular public beach, or swim in the calm waters of Playa las Palmas. Have you seen that pic of the giant wooden sculpture with its chest open? One of the most famous landmarks in Tulum, that sculpture is actually the entrance to Ahau Tulum Beach, which is a popular tourist spot for paddleboarding and kitesurfing.
For more ideas, check out our post on the 10 best beaches to visit in Tulum.
Discover A Hidden Cafe
If you have some extra hours to spare on your 48 hours in Tulum itinerary, take in some more of those chill Tulum vibes at one of the town’s many amazing and scenic cafes. There’s nothing like lounging in a hammock (and under a palm tree) with an artisanal iced americano in hand with some of your best travel buddies. The city is filled with some amazing coffee shops, and some of our top picks are Ki’bok Coffee and Cafeteria Hunab Ku.
Enjoy your experience in this magic town, and we hope this guide helped you better plan your itinerary for an amazing 48 hours in Tulum.
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